Favorite (and not so favorite) Things

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Christine

I find myself checking out dooce.com when I should be doing other things. Its one of my favorite ways to procrastinate online (following checking email and facebook as well as other miscellaneous sites).

Yesterday on dooce’s blog she (a.k.a. Heather Armstrong) posted her own answers to a question from Gettysburg Mom, a user on the dooce community forum. At the end of her post she asks us, her readers, what our answers are.

I was inspired to answer her question here on my own blog. Here we go:

FAVORITE THINGS about the holiday season:

-Specialy treats flavored with pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, and cardomom (but not all at once). Oh, and hot cider. Yum.

-Christmas music. I love to hear it and sing it. Will liked singing Christmas music last year and I have a hunch he will like it even more this year! (I have this fantasy that we will get all dressed up and go Christmas caroling. … that will most likely stay a fantasy unless someone else makes it happen).

-Wrapping presents. (Heather, I would wrap yours were I in town. I LOVE to wrap presents. I make them mini-works of art.)

-Christmas trees.

-Celebrating Christmas at my mom’s. She always makes the house so cozy and her Christmas trees are so lovingly decorated. Christmas is just not “Christmas” if I can’t be with her in her home.

-Watching my son’s growing love of celebration and ceremony. He loves to sing Christmas songs and he likes the stories and ritual behind it. He also loves seeing his family!

LEAST FAVORITE THINGS about the holiday season:

-Christmas shopping. I invariably shop for myself when I should be shopping for others. … I just don’t know what people want (that I can afford). … I know from my own experience that when I receive a gift that I just can’t use or don’t want to use I feel guilty and burdened. I love the thought of the gift and, I especially love looking at the wrapped version of the gift and the opening of the gift but, too seldom do I find something inside that I need or want. Sorry! (See? I feel guilty just admitting it.) I would rather receive a note with an announcement of a donation made to a community who needs water or education.

-Being cold. Moving to the San Francisco Bay Area helped out a lot in this department. (Especially now that I migrated over to the East Bay.) I would freeze my a** off in Portland, Oregon (where I moved from 6 years ago).

-Bad Christmas Music. This needs no explanation, right?

-Bad Christmas Food/Drink. You are what you eat. And I don’t want to be crap. I don’t want to feel like it either.

-Driving from the SF Bay Area to Portland. That’s how we get there (if we’re going). It was easy when Will was a baby, he would just sleep most of the way. He’s 3 now. We have to do the trip in two days to ease the many “pains” for us all involving Will’s comfort level. (Its better on our backs too.)

-Pressure and obligations. This means different things to different folks, I am sure. And it varies a bit from year to year for myself. (This could be a whole ‘nother blog post.)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Enjoy yourself and the ones you love. And, consider doing something for others whether it be a smile, or something like a donation to help build a well for a community who desperately needs water.

You choose. You always have a choice.

Rainboots Review — Keep the Kid Dry!

Posted on October 7, 2011 by Christine

Its raining outside! Will needs a new pair of boots. His last pair are nearly outgrown and covered in the goose poop that I could not bring myself to clean after our last romp at Lake Merritt in Oakland (DAMN GEESE!!!). I am embarrassed to say that the caking on of the goose poop happened his birthday weekend which was MID-JULY! I still have those boots in plastic bag. They WERE in a corner Will’s bathroom hoping for a cleaning. I recently moved them next to the front door next to a bag marked “DONATION” but, how can I in good consiounce give away goose poop encrusted boots.

Nasty.

So, since he has nearly outgrown those hand-me-downs, and since he has gotten loads of use out of them, it is time for a new pair.

I decided to get a pair that he could flex his foot in instead of the kind that kids have trouble walking around in. He’s going to be walking, running, bending down and observing treasures on the ground AND riding his Strider bike in those things. Those cheap boots with the unbending sole just won’t cut it. (Why do they make such things anyway? Is is so much to ask that manufacturers spend five more cents on making the boots with soles the cater to the actual humans who will be wearing the boots?)

I saw some sweet ones that bend, look cool and had additional features that I TRIED to talk myself into spending the money on. I even went so far as to ask papa B if it was an unreasonable amount to spend on a pair of footwear that a 3 year old will outgrow in about a year (unless there is a growth spurt that will render them useless to us next season). Papa B’s response: “you could buy 3 pairs for that amount”. So, I have decided to to go for a “middle of the road” pair. – FINE!

So I went to zappos.com and searched “rainboots boys” and sorted them by price from “lowest to highest” price. Here is the result.

How about these Fire Chief boots from Zappos.com? $26.95

But these dino boots look even MORE flexible and, super cute to boot. $35.00! That is only $5 less than the extra technical ones I really wanted.

Dream boots:

Wear the forest! (Aslo available in black.) Awesome technical boots: http://www.zappos.com/bogs-kids-classic-high-no-handles-toddler-youth-mossy-oak $68! Gulp!

Cute cute cute and no-nonsense: http://www.zappos.com/hunter-kids-kids-first-toddler-youth-yellow $50 comes in other fun colors.

Close contenders:

This one has a drawstring at the top! KEEP OUT: Rain & Snow! And, its a bit cheaper: $37.50. But, will the sole flex? http://www.zappos.com/tundra-kids-boots-husky-toddler-black-black

Love how HIGH these boots reach up the leg. Stay out nasty puddle water! http://www.zappos.com/kamik-kids-stomp-infant-toddler-youth-black~1?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub

This one has the highest customer rating, and I see loads of kids wearing this type of boot. I have tested the flexibilty factor in a store and approved of it! The only problem is they don’t have Will’s size. $27: http://www.zappos.com/western-chief-kids-frog-rainboot-infant-toddler-youth-green-frog . BONUS! Matching cute-overload raincoat: http://www.zappos.com/western-chief-kids-frog-raincoat-toddler-little-kids-green?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub

RECYCLEABLE BOOTS! And they are HIGH, and they have Trek sole, AND a shark pattern. AND they are close to the cheap goal at a modest $31.00: http://www.zappos.com/kamik-kids-sharks-infant-toddler-youth-green?zlfid=111&recoName=zap_pdp_sub

Preschooler Disarms “Mama Mean Face”

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Christine

As I was hurrying Will, my 3 year old son, to get his shoes on so that we could leave for school he asked me:

“Mama, why do you have that face?”

Disarmed, I asked “What does it look like?

“A mean one” he replied.

Gulp. I took a breath to help ease the lump I felt both in my belly and in my throat. My sweet man was doing just what I have been encouraging him to do: communicate by using his words. Instead of acting like a crazy little man (by hitting or kicking or making spit spray out of his mouth with airborne raspberries, or, saying the word Stupid just to “get my goats”) he asked me a fair question.

I apologized and I told him that I was feeling frustrated and tired. I think I then switched to talking about pleasanter things and rearranging my face to reflect that of loving (if still damn tired) mama.

~~~

I have been wanting to write about some of the things I have been experienceing about parent-hood as well as what my preschooler has been experiencing but I have been too damn tired, frustrated and, hesitant to share those things.

I have things I want to share, things I want to ask, and things I want to dialogue about.

Don’t most parents head to the internet to ask questions or to learn more about a subject. Don’t we want to hear about what other parents are experiencing and what they have tried and discovered?

I am finding that I am becoming a child advocate and a spring of knowledge not only about children, parenthood, schools but also about improving oneself and about social good. It has taken me a load of time that I “should” have been spending doing other things – things like getting a job or cleaning my house.

To be continued…

Construction Zone: Toddler and Caregiver Livesaver and Where to Find Them

Posted on April 1, 2011 by Christine

How can a mama find local construction sites to entertain her toddler?

Construction sites are immense boons to the care-giver and to the toddler.

Construction sites have many uses:

• fun (by way of observation, imagination, curiosity, and more)
• a vehicle (no pun intended) for education
• provide mama down-time (i.e. little to no chasing after the little one while they are engrossed. So, chill mama, chill.)
• have a mama tea date! Catch up or shoot the ~~shit~~ poo poo while the little ones watch construction workers and their mighty machines in action

I have looked and inquired about construction sites in these places:

• google (using a variety of key words)
• iPhone app store (again, using a variety of key words)
• the local businesses I patronize
• a foreman on the Chase bank construction site in Pinole (SF East Bay Area)
• a mama friend of mine

I even phoned what google called my county’s “Construction Dept.-Public Works” but the number connected me to a bewildered woman in the Coroner’s office. Faux pas!

After spending this week searching for construction sites, I find myself wondering if there is a need for an App and a website to fill this void. I have heard other mothers say that construction sites have been a life-saver on those days when they are tired and need their young one to be entertained. And what is better than free entertainment that gives you a little break in your day? My son can watch a construction site and the vehicles within it do their busy, dirty jobs for an hour or more. And, even when they are not “in action” they still hold his attention for a while. This has been true since he was about 1 year old. Even without encouraging him to take interest, he is drawn with his whole being to things-that-build. I imagine that kids up to 5 or older would be as interested in watching the complicated, awesome work of the construction crew.

Will is now at the age where he as a lot of question, so, while these sites are transfixing, from time to time he comes out of his trance and asks me a chain of questions. Some are a simple “why?” and some are a reaction to an explanation I gave where he starts off his question “what happens if…” and then he retells what I have said in the form of a question that is either the opposite of what I have just said, or, he builds upon what I just told him. On those particular inquisitive days, these construction sites lend me little relief but at least he is not running around the house just LOOKING to get into mischief and to “get my goat”.

Now, I ask you… where do YOU find construction sites? Or, do they find you?

Now that you are thinking about it, what do you think? Where should I look? And, while we are at it, what tools should be available to find them? Would you use the tools if they WERE available? How can we share the deets on the construction sites we find? Are there any other inspirations you have? Let me know. I can’t wait to hear!

Bay Area Strider: Strider Balance Bikes – Ages 1-5

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Christine

These bikes are amazing. Don’t take my word for it. Ask my son or any kid who has tasted the awesomeness that these bikes are.

Last year, Billy and I became distributors of Strider balance bikes for kids because we couldn’t find any in the SF Bay Area to test ride or to buy. When we finally got our hands on one (for Will’s 2nd birthday) we were so impressed with the design. Then, when we saw Will get his hot little hands on it we were astounded. He was drawn like a moth to flame. Beautiful! So fun!

Any kid who can walk can ride this bike. Kids begin walking with it, then, when they get the hang of that, they put weight on the seat and use their feet to glide, then, (and this is really cool), they begin coasting with their legs held up. When they have the hang of THAT they can use the “launch pad” to rest their feet and coast like a super star.

I have lots of pics and vids to share and will get to that in time. But for now, I just wanted to let you know what we have been up to as well announce that we have a website, Twitter account, and, a Facebook Page to support our family business Bay Area Strider. Check them out and “Like” us, post a message, and tell people about it. They will thank you for it! And, so will we :)

Thank you for your support, as always,

Christine

http://bayareastrider.com/
Bay Area Strider Facebook Page
http://twitter.com/bayareastrider

e: gogogo AT bayareastrider DOT com
e: christine AT bayareastrider DOT com
e: billy AT bayareastrider DOT com

Dear San Francisco Mama Bloggers

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Christine

Dear San Francisco Mama Bloggers,

I have been searching for you but am finding you are harder to find that I thought it would be.

I would love to connect with you and hear your stories, the good and the bad. I want to know what you have learned, what you have questions about, what you want to know more about, and what your fears and worries are. What are your dreams? Why aren’t you doing them? Can we support each other to reach for them?

I envision a community of mamas (or anyone who is interested in what a mama’s life is about) be it virtually, physically or both.

If you heard my call, tell me, what is on your mind? And, are you free this weekend? Let’s meet at the park and say hi. If you cannot make it out, then, leave a little note in the comments section, or email me privately. I love notes. I love to leave them. I am so delighted when I receive them.

I look forward to making a connection with you. And, if you are up for it, through that connection, I will connect you to those who also want to connect.

Yours,

Christine

San Francisco Bay Area Mama

e: christine at maternityshare dot com

Ps. Even if you aren’t currently in the San Francisco Bay Area, feel free to reach out!

Keeping a toddler happy

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Christine

Will needs so much attention and social interaction. I can’t meet all of his needs. On days when it is just me and him we go a little crazy (sometimes a lot) everyday.

Things that help (A LOT):

• getting down on his level and asking him a question about something he is already currently interested in or playing with. He LOVES this. He gets to be social and showcase his expertise. I find it to be wonderful times of bonding when I make time to do this. It is easy, it is free and, it means a lot to Will. Oh, and it keeps him from tearing up the place, if even for a little while.

• arts and crafts: right now he is really into ballpoint pens and dry erase markers. So, we got him some. Yah, they are age-inappropriate but I keep him close when he uses them. They make him happy and wildly engage his imagination. I love it when he draws. Sometimes he narrates and sometimes he is so in the zone that he is so quiet… I can practically hear the wheels turning in his mind.

• getting out: I need caffeine. Will needs to be with people. He is running around the house like the Tasmanian Devil and I find myself counting to 10 all too often. The answer here is GET OUT! Go to Peet’s Coffee & Tea and get my morning cup of tea. Will loves picking out a snack and socializing with the customers. There is always someone who is gaga over Will so, it makes their day better too. And, I finally get my tea and get to drink it with a happy Will and another bonding experience while he either sits across from me or in my lap and points out all the fire alarms and extinguishers or asks me questions about this amazing world we live in.

These are just 3 simple things to do. The world is full of countless opportunities. We just need to take a deep breath and take them. Everyone will be happier. Who knows, the world could even become a better place. It becomes one for us, that’s for sure

RESOURCES:

Daily activities for pre-schooler’s courtesy of the SavvySource.com: http://bit.ly/9GU4zL (look for the title ‘today’s “preschools out” activity’ which is usually found in the middle of the page.) Or, they have a general Activity page here: http://bit.ly/9opM

And, remember, they will only be a toddler for so long. ENJOY IT!

MaternityShare

a mama's blog about creativity, love of feeling good, parenting adventures, and more…

Category Archives: maternityshare

Favorite (and not so favorite) Things

Rainboots Review — Keep the Kid Dry!

Construction Zone: Toddler and Caregiver Livesaver and Where to Find Them

Bay Area Strider: Strider Balance Bikes – Ages 1-5

Keeping a toddler happy